FanDuel NBA Lineup December 7, 2014

Playing in my favorite $50K NBA Swat fantasy league on FanDuel, I was hoping that tonight was the night that I brought home the top prize. Indeed, for my $1 entry fee, playing in this particular tournament gives me the opportunity to score big as the top payout is $4,000. Of course, despite my best efforts, I did not come anywhere close to what was needed to cash and, once again, I was left looking for answers as to why my fantasy season is going South so rapidly.

On the other hand, rayricesmhbruh was having a night to remember. His fantasy team scored an amazing 378.8 fantasy points as he or she took home my top prize. As I try to do every night, the following are my thoughts on the selections of the winning team. I do this to make sure I keep up with those that are having more success that I am and, if I am lucky, to grab a little insight into how I can be in the winner’s circle in the next game.

$50K NBA Swat FanDuel December 7, 2014 Winning Lineup

The Winning Lineup Of "rayricesmhbruh"

Point Guard # 1: Michael Carter-Williams – Although he was injured for the first part of the year, Michael Carter-Williams has been coming on strong as of late. Indeed, at a salary of $8,700, he is approaching “must start” status. Last night was no exception as he racked up 55.1 fantasy points, including 20 points, 8 rebounds, 15 assists, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. He would have had over 60 fantasy points if he would not have had seven turnovers. Of course, for someone that is stealing and blocking like he is, turnovers are to be expected as that just means he is playing some hard basketball and giving it his all. I am going to start him as often as I can in the future, salary cap permitting.

Point Guard # 2: Zach LaVine – As predicted in last night’s winning lineup recap, Zach LaVine is a total stud. Yes he is cheap – very cheap – at $3,600. However, last night LaVine helped the winning lineup cash in by contributing 42.6 fantasy points. He got off to a hot start in this game and finished even hotter, scoring 22 points, 3 rebounds, 10 assists, and 2 steals, while only turning over the ball twice. If LaVine keeps playing at this level, and if his salary remains on the lower side (even if FanDuel gives him a slight raise), I will be adding him to my daily roster. If he can give me 20 fantasy points a night, I will be happy. On nights where he brings home over 40, I will be elated!

Shooting Guard # 1: James Harden – The Houston Rockets have been putting up some big numbers lately due, in large part, to the great games being offered by James Harden. For the second night in a row, his huge salary is an afterthought as he contributed 43.9 fantasy points. While he was guilty of six turnovers that would put his fantasy score at closer to 50, he did have 15 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals and 3 blocks. In other words, if you selected Harden for your team, he gave you exactly what you expected, nothing more and nothing less.

Shooting Guard # 2: Klay Thompson – Klay Thompson is rapidly becoming the shooting guard I think of first when I start selecting my team for the night. [Actually anyone on the Golden State Warriors is a good choice lately because of all of the high scoring, fast paced games that they are participating in.] While his salary is modest for his expected performance – he is currently $7,700 – his performance is better than expected night in and night out. Last night Klay Thompson brought home 43.5 fantasy points, including 24 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks, against only two turnovers.

Small Forward # 1: Josh Smith – Another guy – like Klay Thompson – that costs $7,700 that is seriously catching my attention is Josh Smith. The Detroit small forward is killing it. Last night he had a huge night and if it wasn’t for the five turnovers he committed, his fantasy score would have been in excess of 50. Instead, he had to “settle” for 46.1 fantasy points, including 23 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal and 3 blocks.

Small Forward # 2: Draymond Green – Draymond Green was the steal of the night. That fact is particularly frustrating to me as I literally had him selected and then decided to go a different route so I could have “The Brow” on my team. (Man, that trade off sucked as Davis had one of very few down performances last night which Green was on fire.) Draymond Green sunk 31 points, had 3 assists, hauled in 7 rebounds, and contributed 4 steals and 3 blocks, all on his way to a 56.9 fantasy point performance. Man, I am bummed I missed out on that great night!

Power Forward # 1: Marcus Morris – Although Marcus Morris had 21.5 fantasy points last night, he was actually the worst performing player on this winning team. However, when you consider that his salary was $4,100, a 20+ fantasy game is a great thing, something I would sign up for every night. Indeed, I would love to grab twenty fantasy points from a cheap salary guy. I know that is one of my weaknesses as it is easy to pick a stud for the night. It is an entirely different thing to find that diamond in the rough.

Power Forward # 2: Boris Diaw – A few weeks ago, I was choosing Boris Diaw literally every night for my team and was getting consistently good results. However, as he stopped receiving as much playing time, he was becoming harder and harder to justify. Tonight, it was a no brainer as a lot of the starters got some rest. Diaw scored a nice 27.6 fantasy points (on his salary of $4,300) and had 17 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal, while only having one turnover.

Center: DeAndre Jordan – DeAndre Jordan, the starting center for the Los Angeles Clippers, never treats me right. I am personally offended that when I start him, he sucks. When I do not start him, he puts up numbers list last night. Against the New Orleans Pelicans, Jordan was playing like a man possessed and ended up with 41.6 fantasy points. Included in that score were 8 points, 18 rebounds, 2 assists, and 5 blocks. When your center has 18 rebounds and five blocks, you know the defensive side of things is being adequately taken care of.